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Finding the right tutor

Hiring a tutor is an investment-- sometimes a very expensive one. Before you commit to spending a bundle on getting academic help, you should know what to look for in a tutor. Finding the right tutor for your child can make it easy to get those A's you desire, and can help your child enjoy going to school.

Tutoring is different from classroom teaching. Tutors form a connection with one student, identifying the best way that child learns and remembers. Good tutors focus on both content and strategies-- not just teaching the Quadratic Formula, but explaining why we use it, when it helps solve a problem, and how you know when it's the right formula to use. Ask potential tutors what strategies they use and where those strategies come from. A great tutor understands the educational strategy behind the methods.

Tutors who have experience and a track record of success will charge a higher hourly rate. A great tutor is worth the money they charge, and they will have the proof to back up their fee. Ask for references and testimonials. Ask which classes they feel comfortable tutoring. Ask how many times they've tutored a student taking the class your child needs help in. Ask about their education, and be prepared to pay more for a tutor with an advanced degree than for a college or high school student who is just starting out.

Finally, the most important part of finding the right tutor is finding the best personality fit for your child. Does your child do best with small group tutoring? One-on-one tutoring? Do they prefer a high-energy tutor, or does that make them feel anxious and overwhelmed? Can the tutor modify their style to accommodate your child? If the personality match isn't there, then you won't see the academic benefits you're looking for.

Using a tutor can help your child feel better about themselves as a student. It can help them improve their grades or fix problem areas before a struggle turns into a barrier. There are plenty of great tutoring options out there, and it's worth it to find the right tutor for your child. This investment can pay off in better grades, a better attitude towards school, and a better future for your child.


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